Why is Temovate Cream prescribed?

Temovate Cream (Clobetasol Propionate) is used to treat a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, allergies, rash, etc. This medication reduces the swelling, itching/irritation, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a highly potent steroid that helps reduce inflammation in the body. Clobetasol Cream (Generic) is available in addition to the brand name Temovate Cream.

How is Temovate Cream most effectively taken?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

• Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. Rinse with water if this medicine gets in your eyes or mouth.
• Do not use Temovate on the broken or infected skin. Also, avoid using this medicine in open wounds.
• Wash your hands before and after using clobetasol, unless you are using the medicine to treat the skin on your hands.
• Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected skin and rub it in gently. Do not apply this medicine over a large area of skin unless your doctor has told you to.
• Do not cover the treated skin area with a bandage or other covering unless your doctor tells you to. Covering treated areas can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and may cause harmful effects.
• If you are treating the diaper area, do not use plastic pants or tight-fitting diapers.
• This medicine is for short-term use only (2 weeks, or up to 4 weeks for scalp psoriasis). Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
• If you use clobetasol to treat plaque psoriasis, you should stop using the medicine once your skin symptoms are controlled.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
• You should not stop using clobetasol suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep from freezing.
• Clobetasol foam is flammable. Do not use near high heat or open flame. Do not smoke until the foam has completely dried on your skin

Before using Temovate Cream, tell your doctor or pharmacist:

• if you are allergic to it; or to other corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone or if you have any other drug allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: poor blood circulation, problems with your immune system, certain skin conditions such as rosacea 

Do not use if there is an infection or sore present in the area to be treated.

Rarely, using corticosteroid medications for a long time or over large areas of skin can make it more difficult for your body to respond to physical stress. Therefore, before having surgery or emergency treatment, or if you get a serious illness/injury, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication or have used this medication within the past few months.

Pregnancy Warning:

• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk when applied to the skin. Similar medications pass into breast milk when taken by mouth. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

• burning, itching, swelling, or irritation of treated skin
• dry or cracking skin
• redness or crusting around your hair follicles
• stretch marks, thinning skin
• rash or hives
• acne
• temporary hair loss

Get emergency medical help:

• if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• worsening of your skin condition
• redness, warmth, swelling, oozing, or severe irritation of any treated skin
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights
• signs of high blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor
• possible signs of absorbing this medicine through your skin--weight gain in your face and shoulders, slow wound healing, skin discoloration, thinning skin, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, menstrual changes, sexual changes.